4,821 days from his last appearance for Everton ..look Roo’s back in blue

LEIGHTON BAINES struck to prevent Wayne Rooney’s homecoming party from falling flat. Rooney’s second coming was in danger of turning into an embarrassing damp squib before Baines broke the deadlock.

The left-back’s 65th-minute shot was deflected home to end

the stubborn resistance of the Slovakian minnows.

Rooney deserved to be a winner after working tirelessly up front on his return to Goodison Park 13 years after he left to join Manchester United.

The former England captain showed he is still hungry to succeed back at his beloved Blues.

Everton were undercooked against Ruzomberok and this was the earliest competitive game they have ever played in a season.

Michael Keane, Cuco Martina, Davy Klaassen and Sandro Ramirez made their debuts – but the Blues lacked a cutting edge.

Kevin Mirallas was denied a second goal when Matus Macik saved expertly from his turn and shot.

Everton will aim to finish the job and make it through to the Europa League playoffs in Ruzomberok next Thursday for the return leg.